Services / Overview / The Handset and How it Works >>

We are not technology geeks at Satpack Travel. So we chose the HTC Touch Pro Smartphone because it combines a very easy to use 'touch' interface with more-than-enough functionality to provide you with seamless support on the ground.

The Device

We don’t want to intimidate you, but this smartphone is the bee’s knees. However you don’t need to be a whizz to quickly use the bits that matter to you. These include:

1. A really smart screen touch interface so you don’t have to scroll through endless menus to get to where you want.
2. A top-of-the-range phone with a speak so you can use it whilst driving.
3. A built in GPS locator that works with the 2009 Garmin Southern Africa Maps (with over 300,000 kilometres of road data including more than 1,000 towns) we have installed, so you can see your precise location on the most up-to-date maps available.
4. Garmin satellite navigation software, so you get a clear on-screen map and turn-by-turn voice directions as you travel.
5. An extensive database of locations that you can search to find addresses, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, shopping malls, parking, sports stadia, ATMs, hospitals, police stations and lots more. Once you've found your destination just press 'Go' and the device will find the quickest route for you.
6. Your own Satpack Travel email address so we can stay in touch with you.
7. Internet access that looks just like it does on your PC, so you can check your personal internet email account, sports results, news or Facebook or Tweet as you travel. Vodacom network coverage is good over most of South Africa and data (3G coverage is good in most towns and cities).
8. Touch screen keyboard as well as proper slide out QWERTY keyboard so you don’t have to waste time ‘texting’.
9. Your personalised itinerary stored on the device.
10. Five day weather forecasts for your current location and along your route.
11. Regular bulletins, if you want them, from BBC News and Sports websites.
12. Pre-loaded with emergency service numbers on speed dial.
13. Set up with a panic button. When you press this, your location is sent to ourselves and our friends at eblockwatch. Their Travel Buddy Program swings into action - we can offer you expert advice immediately over the phone, call the emergency services on your behalf or we can activate their network of over 60,000 volunteers across South Africa to come and help you on the ground. Have a look at our unique approach to reducing the risk of crime happening to you.
14. All the normal stuff you’d expect of a phone, including text messaging, alarm clock, speaker phone etc.
15. A car kit with charger and windscreen mount.

How it Works

1. Before You Arrive

We personalise the device before you arrive with your route information and points of interest, your itinerary, updated weather forecasts for the places you are going as well as lots more.

You only need to pay the deposit for the service, insurance (if you want it), the airtime credit of R200 and for any other accommodation etc. we have booked for you. We will also pre-authorise a transaction on your credit card for the value of the handset (unless you opt for insurance). However we don’t actually debit your account for this amount. It’s just like when you hire a car. Understand our prices and payment.

2. Arrival

We know you’ll be anxious to get on the road and don't want to spend a lot of time trying to understand your device. So you just pick it up at the airport (or we can deliver it to your hotel in some instances). The device is very intuitive and we've created some very simple and easy-to-understand instructions for Dummies (with pictures!) including a 'Quick Start Guide'. If you have any questions afterwards, you can always email or call us.

We pre-load the phone with a R200 airtime credit so you can get going straight away.

3. On The Road

We stay in contact with you via phone or email depending upon your preference and network coverage. For example we can point out things we think will be of interest upon the way, suggest and book restaurants, provide an updated weather forecast or simply answer any questions you may have.

If you use up all the R200 air-time credit, you can get a top-up card from shops (including garages) and ATMs all over South Africa. Have a look at our prices and payment for more information. Call and data costs are charged at the standard Vodacom rates. Please note that usage of the satellite navigation does not incur any call or data costs.

4. Departure

You return the handset and car charger kit to us. We know you’re probably in a rush to catch your flight, so we will invoice you the balance of the account (including the daily rental fee) via email and deduct your credit card automatically in seven days.